November 17, 2013

Sleigh Bells elude gunfire and rock Toronto

Sleigh Bells had an eventful day before they played an amazing show at The Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto. During the afternoon, Toronto Police had a standoff with an armed gunman on the street outside the venue. The man was eventually killed by police. Alexis Krauss even mentioned the shooting during the show and concert-goers were greeted by police cars blocking off a section of Sherbourne Street and police tape right to the club entrance.

But the show was what we came to see. Sleigh Bells did an awesome job, putting 110% of their energy into the performance, looking and sounding great. I was happy for my earplugs as they were loud. Some audience members stood and watched the band with their fingers fully implanted in their ears. As I left the venue, I heard a fellow attendee exclaim, "I can't hear shit!"

The core of Sleigh Bells is singer Alexis Krauss and guitarist/producer Derek Miller. The live band is fleshed out by guitarist Ryan Primack and drummer Chris Maggio. Sleigh Bells played a great set covering a cross section of tunes from across their discography. Here are some of my favourites:

"Comeback Kid" from 2012's Reign of Terror

"Bitter Rivals" from the 2013 album of the same name.

"Demons" from Reign of Terror. Love the whammy bar use in the guitar lead part.

"You Don't Get Me Twice" from Bitter Rivals.

"Riot Rhythm" from Treats

Main set closer "Infinity Guitars" from their 2010 release Treats:

They returned to the stage for their three-song encore and we were done. Great show!

They didn't play it live, but just because I love it, here's "Rill Rill" from Treats.